The Tate Modern gallery is highlighting contemporary African photography with its new exhibition entitled “A world in common: contemporary african photography”. Running until January 14, 2024, this art space will present a varied selection of photographic works created by contemporary artists from different regions of Africa. The exhibition offers a diverse perspective on African photographic art, highlighting the richness and creativity of these artists.
This large-scale exhibition brings together artists such as Kelani Abass; Léonce Raphaël Agbodjélou; Malala Andrialavidrazana; Atong Atem; Sammy Baloji; James Barnor; Edson Chagas; Kudzanai Chiurai; la digue de Ndidi; André Esiebo; Em’kal Eyongakpa; Rotimi Fani-Kayode; Hassan Hajjaj; Délio Jasse; Julianknxx; Samson Kambalu ; Kiripi Katembo; Lebohang Kganye ; Kiluanji Kia Henda; François-Xavier Gbré ; Maïmouna Guerresi ; Mario Macilau ; Lazhar Mansouri ; Sabelo Mlangeni; Cristina de Middel; Santu Mofokeng ; Fabrice Monteiro ; Aïda Muluneh ; Wura-Natasha Ogunji ; Zohra Opoku ; Georges Osodi ; Ruth Ossaï ; Léonard Pongo ; Dawit L. Petros ; Zina Saro-Wiwa; Khadija Saye.k. This is the perfect opportunity for art lovers to view immersive photographs by renowned artists from all over Africa, all in the same space.
In addition to presenting photographic works, “A world in common: contemporary african photography” explores the various artistic media used to reinvent Africa’s diverse cultures and historical narratives. Through mediums such as photography, film, audio and many others, the exhibition addresses the many ways in which images travel across histories and geographies. Notions of spirituality, urbanism, climate emergency and identity will be used by the exhibiting artists to guide visitors towards dreamlike illusions and animated urban landscapes.
Africa is a continent characterized by rich cultural, demographic, traditional, religious and linguistic diversity. Attempts to provide a singular definition of the continent run up against a wall of inadequacies, as does an individual analysis of each photographic work from Africa’s 54 sovereign nations. However, “A world in common: contemporary african photography” takes a different approach to understanding the continent’s different components. More coherently, this exhibition focuses on the varied work of 36 artists, each tackling a different but inherently African aspect. The photographs and installations presented in this exhibition reflect Africa’s diverse cultural traditions, the history of modern colonialism and current social, political and environmental concerns.
Georges Osodi opens the exhibition with a series of photographs entitled “Nigerian Monarchs” (2012-22). These images exude a certain respect, featuring elegantly dressed kings sporting their full regalia. Through this series, the artist highlights the importance of ancestral traditions in the construction of African identity and regional kingdoms, a legacy that has endured despite Nigeria’s colonial past.
Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the spiritual complexity of the African continent. Many of the works are inspired by the myths and beliefs that have nourished African culture and have been passed down from generation to generation, fuelling these endogenous beliefs. Among these creations with a spiritual appeal, Senegalese artist Maïmouna Guerresi presents her five-panel painting entitled “M-eating – Students and Teacher” (2012), offering a striking meditation. Through this depiction, she incorporates simple yet revealing details of spiritual persistence in the face of external disruption and conflict.
In a more disparate approach to African culture, Edson Chagas creates striking portraits revealing individuals dressed in contemporary clothing, their faces covered with traditional Bantu masks. Masks are valuable accessories used in African ceremonies and rituals. Also popular with Western collectors, this work by the Angolan artist draws the public’s attention to the fact that these elements inherent to African culture are much more easily integrated into Western society than their creators.
The uniqueness of this exhibition lies in the diverse creative and meaningful approaches used by the artists to tackle its complex yet singular theme. While contemporary artists such as Aïda Muluneh, Fabrice Monteiro and many others address environmental issues in Africa, others such as Wura-Natasha Ogunji and Sammy Baloji look at post-colonial economic and social aspects, while another host of artists including Délio Jasse question the link between memory and contemporary African photography. From a broader perspective, works far removed from the realm of photography also rest at London’s Tate Modern art escape. The most intriguing installation in the exhibition is Kiluanji Kia Henda‘s architectural sculpture “The Fortress (2014)”, which nonetheless fits perfectly into this contemporary art presentation.
“A world in common: contemporary african photography” is a fascinating exhibition that reveals the realities and stereotypes long held about Africa. In addition to the impact of the colonialist period, it also exposes in its works moments of joy and hope held by the continent’s residents, for a better future free from the influence of foreigners and the still lingering impact of colonialism. Through the many landscapes, borders and time zones of Africa, the artists in the exhibition show how photography enables the past and future to coexist in a powerful and transformative way.